Members of the Mercer Island High School (MIHS) Drama department have dug deep into their production of the classic sci-fi dark comedy “Little Shop of Horrors,” says director Katy Tyszkiewicz Ramsey.

Musical theater performances feature two casts — Nitrous and Oxide — and are set for Nov. 14-16 and Nov. 21-23 in the school’s performing arts center. A plethora of the 30 thespians will hit the spotlight in both casts in “Little Shop,” which features the carnivorous plant Audrey II and lead character Seymour striving to balance the lure of success with his moral compass.

Tyszkiewicz Ramsey said the hard-working, detail-oriented and vocally-gifted cast has displayed positivity and openness throughout the enjoyable and revealing experience.

“We have had so much fun together. But also, we have had really hard conversations with one another. We brought Maddy Brockert in from LifeWire. She led our cast and crew through a presentation and discussion about intimate partner violence. So many students shared personal experiences and asked insightful questions; it was an eye-opening experience for all of us,” the director added.

Regarding Audrey II, the director noted that the cast has explored the hungry plant’s symbolism, from addiction to the failure of the American dream to the lure of celebrity.

MIHS seniors Katie McGuire (Cast Nitrous) and Kyle Gerstel (Cast Oxide) step into their roles of Seymour when “Little Shop” rolls into action.

“It’s such a fun and creepy musical, and getting to put it on with your friends is the best thing ever,” said McGuire, adding that drama is her favorite part of the day. “I honestly don’t know how I would make it through high school without this outlet, and I 100% plan to continue acting in some way even after I graduate.”

Gerstel relayed his thoughts on the musical: “‘Little Shop of Horrors’ is hilarious, bloody, heartbreaking, and timely. Our production is a testament to MIHS’ joyful, community-oriented drama program. For the first time ever, we’re including eighth-graders in the ensemble, which gives the show even more of a community feel.”

He added, “Come see the show and don’t feed the plants!”

Other “Little Shop” actors — these students in both casts — are Joy Rurangwa (Crystal), Pilar Bousono (Ronnette), Kaori Lancaster (Chiffon), Jack Martin (Audrey II) and Hunter Maughan (Puppeteer).

Cast Nitrous also features Ren Evans (Audrey), Jose Igtiben (Mushnik) and Harry Giese (Orin); and Cast Oxide features Omolara Olusanya (Audrey), Alon Ten-Ami (Mushnik) and Tiger Yang (Orin).

Taking on ensemble and other roles in both casts are Mirabelle Krafcik (Wino #1), Liam Aggar (Customer #1), Esme Dixon (Interviewer), Everett Guillemette (Customer #2), Meredith Weaver (Bernstein), Anja Hutto (Luce), Megan Mears (Snip) and Den Vaganov (Martin).

More ensemble members in both casts are Cecilia Nice, Nieman Moses, Phoenix Miller, Zoey Friedman, Leisel Miller, Brier Dow, Flor Jewell, Ori Talby and Ava Carlson.

Eight performances of “Little Shop” will be unveiled at 7 p.m. along with 2 p.m. matinees on Saturdays. For ticket information, visit https://cur8.com/19957/project/124665.

In a content warning, the department noted that there are references to abuse, violence and death, and the show is not for sensitive viewers.

Cast Nitrous gathers at a full dress rehearsal of the Mercer Island High School Drama departments production of “Little Shop of Horrors.” Photo courtesy of Alec Chvany

Kyle Gerstel sits inside the carnivorous plant Audrey II during a full dress rehearsal of the Mercer Island High School Drama department’s production of “Little Shop of Horrors.” Photo courtesy of Alec Chvany